Dorsey Clark Funderburk

 

Dorsey Clark Funderburk, age 85, of Gastonia, North Carolina, passed away on December 21,
2023 at home with his loving family surrounding him. Dorsey was born on May 15, 1938 in
Brunswick, Georgia to Fred and Zelda Funderburk. He married Diane Louise White in 1970 in
the Salt Lake City, Utah LDS Temple.  He was a strong and loyal friend to all and was known for
his unwavering faith and Christlike love. Dorsey was a man of great character, exemplifying the
values of his faith. He was a beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, known
affectionately as Opa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dorsey is survived by his wife of 53 years, Diane Funderburk and his seven children: Stephanie
Vilchis (Salvador), Cade Funderburk (Blythe), Sonya Coon (Brett), David Funderburk (Penny),
Sara Huestis (Jonathan), Heidi Cammer, and Rachel Erickson (Joey). He also leaves behind
nineteen grandchildren: Ty, Joshua (Minjung), Juliette, Justine (Walker), Mia (Jeremy),
Alexandria, Jonathan (Shay), Emanuel, Anthon, Josephine, Ammon, Noah, Adam, Aubree,
Landon, Aaron, Sophie, Brandon, and Miles. Additionally, he will be dearly missed by his nine
great-grandchildren: Avri, Leo, Afton, Joon, Tory, Magdalena, Ina, Guinevere and Danielle.
Dorsey was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Zelda Funderburk, brothers, Fred
Funderburk, Jr, and Norman Funderburk, sister, Dorothy Murphy and his granddaughter, Evie
Victoria Erickson.
He proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1955 to
1959 and later as part of the United States Coast Guard from 1960 to 1963.
After completing his military service, Dorsey pursued higher education with studies in
archeology/anthropology and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Library Science
from Brigham Young University. 
Dorsey dedicated his career to the Gaston County Library, where he served as the Librarian
Supervisor of Cataloging Services.  His contributions were instrumental in opening the main
library in Gastonia when it moved from 2nd Ave to Garrison Blvd, as well as other library
branches in Gaston County. He was passionate about his work and made a lasting impact on
the community.
As a lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Dorsey found solace
and guidance in his faith. He worshiped at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in
Gastonia, NC.  He served faithfully in many positions and offices in the LDS church and
ministered often to those around him.
In his free time, Dorsey enjoyed a variety of hobbies including hiking, camping, fishing, reading,
and genealogy. He shared his knowledge and love for the outdoors with his family.  He
volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America for many years, where he mentored many young
men in earning their Eagle Scout Award. 
He was a member of:
The Gaston County Honor Guard, Historian
Life Member of The American Legion Post 23, Historian and web master
Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 9337
Lifelong member of Marine Corps League Detachment 1162
Life member of Military Order of the Devil Dogs, PDD.
A visitation and funeral service will be held on December 27, 2023 at The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-Day Saints on 2710 Redbud Dr., Gastonia, NC. Viewing will be held at 12:00-1:30 PM
followed by the service at 2:00 PM.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery on 1462 Armstrong Ford Road, Belmont, NC. Flowers can be sent to Benson Funeral and Cremation at
101 Oak Grove St., Mt. Holly, NC 28120.  In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to
the Tunnel to Towers Foundation or to the Wounded Warrior Project.